5 minute read
Soap Box
The first weekend in December, ex-president Donald Trump reiterated his ongoing lie that the 2020 election was stolen. He then proclaimed on his personal social media site that therefore any election laws and even the Constitution itself (or at least parts of it) that interfere with his return to power must be cancelled.
Yet again, he has become unhinged. I wonder how he can run for reelection to the presidency, a Constitutional position, if the Constitution were to be cancelled? Of course, he doesn’t want to be president, constrained by annoying rules. He wants to be supreme ruler.
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But the real issue here is the telling silence from congressional Republicans. (Sen. Mitch McConnell seems to be the exception.) Apparently none of the others have a problem with the idea of cancelling the Constitution. How about it, Lauren?
So much for those oaths of office to protect and defend democracy. What’s the point of having an oath of office if there are no penalties for violating that oath?
It should be an impeachable offense. Obviously, it hasn’t been. Neither is inciting a violent coup attempt to reverse an election result to stay in power. If that’s not an impeachable offense, what is? What will be the justification when the incoming tiny GOP House majority impeaches Joe Biden? I can hardly wait.
It’s all part of the growing mountain of evidence that the GOP is anti-democracy and wants a system where only right-wing GOP candidates will be allowed to win elections. GOP moderates have been purged. And in 2022, GOP movers and shakers cozied up with Hungary’s white Christian nationalist autocrat Victor Orban. It seems reasonable to assume that that’s their vision for the future of America. – Carole McWilliams, Bayfield
With the turning of the new year comes reflection upon the year passed and a renewal of our intentions for the new cycle ahead. At this time, all of us at Durango Natural Foods Co-op would like to heartily thank our community for being part of something that is more than just a grocery store. Deep gratitude for voting with your dollars for the kind of world you want to see, where local farmers and artisans are supported and celebrated, where our vitality and health is valued over numerical wealth, where decisions are made in regards to our living planet rather than at her expense, and where people and connections are valued over shareholders’ stock prices. Member-owners are the shareholders, and we consider your return discounted and continued access to as much local, organic, fairtrade and ethically sourced products as possible, in unison with a shopping experience that is actually enjoyable. At DNF, quality of life matters.
We hope you will take a moment to appreciate all DNF has to offer and consider how it has served you in 2022. How do you feel when you are in the store? How do you feel interacting with the people? How do you feel after a meal made from our organic ingredients?
Perhaps 2023 is the year to improve your quality of life and elevate your level of fulfillment in all aspects of life. Certainly, food and the energy of the people we interact with is ultra-important to reaching a state of satisfaction. Not only does choosing DNF support you, it also supports our community of fellow memberowners, farmers, artisans, small businesses, vendors, staff and many more. So, with that awareness held in
Save Ukraine from the tyrant
The United States convinced Ukraine in 1991 to give up its nuclear weapons and send them to Russia. We then guaranteed Ukraine’s security, and now we are fulfilling those guarantees.
We have provided about $70 billion in aid and plan on giving another $50 billion in economic and military aid. This is well spent, because Ukraine is fighting to deter Russian expansionist goals in Eastern Europe. If Ukraine goes down, Eastern Europe could be next. This would require a response from NATO, including the U.S., which would precipitate World War 3.
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and the far right Republicans in the House Freedom Caucus want to cut back our commitment to Ukraine. This shortsighted and naive position loses sight of the geopolitical situation. It would endanger Ukraine and Europe and encourage other bad actors like China, North Korea and Iran to commit aggression with impunity to further their expansionist objectives.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is committed to defending his country. Congress and the American people should realize the strategic importance of saving Ukraine from the clutches of a Russian tyrant.
– Donald Moskowitz, Londonderry, N.H.
The current state of Colorado’s wolf plan is in desperate need of reparation, with the necessary goal of achieving a self-sustaining population. Whilst conflict avoidance needs to be proactive, it’s time to begin reestablishing wolves throughout their native homeland of western Colorado based on established science that recommends a minimum of 750 wolves (or 150 packs). Currently, our public lands are (unfortunately) highly dangerous for wolves, which is unacceptable.
State officials and livestock owners must do their part, knowing wolves are naturally inclined to eat native wildlife (such as deer or elk), but will go for easy opportunities when presented (such as non-native unprotected livestock). Furthermore, science has indicated that wolf “culling” is unnecessary for keeping “populations in check,” meaning trophy hunting is actually only for sport. It’s time to get our paws off the ground and urge Colorado Parks and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife to take accountability, preventing a full on war against wolves by reintroducing them throughout suitable habitat in western Colorado. – Cassidy Thompson, Columbus, Ohio
The Telegraph prides itself on a liberal letters policy. We have only three requests: limit letters to 500 words; letters must be signed by the writer; and thankyou lists and libelous, personal attacks are unwelcome. Send your profundities by Monday at noon to telegraph@durangotelegraph.com.
Est. 200 2005 Supplies, bathing, grooming, day care, boarding
We are expanding our indoor play space!
Select flavors & brands of dog food 15% off
*While supplies last 375-9700 • 21738 HWY 160W
YOGA FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Learn simple and accessible tools to help deal with stress and manage your mood.
8-week group class series with Michele Lawrence Tuesdays, 9-10:15 a.m. starting Jan. 24 Smiley Building, Room 20A
Limited to 8 participants
